The Field for the Chase is set. The last thing to be decided was which of the top 11 drivers would be locked out of the Chase. The answer: Tony Stewart, last year's champion. It marks the first time in his Cup career he will not finish in the top 10 in points.
Other interesting facts:
There are only 3 drivers who were in the Chase last year who are in this year: Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth & Mark Martin.
Drivers in the Chase last year who failed to qualify: Stewart, Kurt Busch, Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards, Jeremy Mayfield, Ryan Newman & Rusty Wallace (who retired after last year).
There is one rookie (a first for the Chase): Denny Hamlin.
Two drivers were in the Chase in 2004, but not 2004: Jeff Gordon & Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Drivers who have never been in the Chase: Kasey Kahne, Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick, & Kyle Busch.
Driver who qualifed in 2004, but has not been in the Chase since: Elliott Sadler.
If Harvick wins the Cup, he would be the first driver to win the Busch series championship and the Cup championship in the same year. (I'm assuming he'll win the Busch series as he is over 600 points ahead of second place).
There are two former champions in the field: Gordon and Kenseth. If any other driver wins, he would be a first time Cup Champion.
If Martin becomes Champion, and retires, there would not be a defending Champion next year.
Richard Childress Racing has two drivers in the Chaseas does Roush Racing, while Hendrick Motorsports has three drivers. Joe Gibbs Racing, Dale Earnhardt Inc, and Evernham Motorsports have one each.
Other Thoughts on Racing:
If I were a Chaser, I'd be worried that Stewart isn't in the Chase. Last year, he was somewhat subdued when he was points racing for a Championship. Now, he has nothing to lose by being aggressive, taking chances, and letting it all hang out.
Penske racing has NO teams in the Chase, after fielding two teams last year. Penske can console himself with his first IRL Championship, won today by Sam Hornish.
Will we see major realignment of teams that didn't make the Chase this year? I think Roush needs to bring back Jimmy Fenig out of Busch series banishment to work on Biffle's, Edwards' or McMurray's car.
Is the Rookie of the Year race decided yet? Is there any way Hamlin can't win it - as he will definitely finish in the top 10?
Michael Schumacher is retiring? Only 2 points out of the lead for the Formula One Championship and he's retiring??? Why do I think this is a political move by his manufacturer? Why not give the Italian fans the chance to cheer him today - and instead wait until AFTER the Italian Gran Prix to make the announcement? At least he won today.
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